Non-Attendance at Appointments (DNA’s ) Policy 

We at Marino Medical  are committed to ensuring that the best service is provided to our patients.  We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to get a routine appointment with a GP or Nurse.  This is a difficult problem to overcome where demand is unpredictable.

 

When a patient does not attend their booked appointment, this DNA patient is taking the slot of another patient who could have attended.  Text message reminders may be sent out the day before all appointments in order to maximise efficiency and availability. If you get a text and cannot attend, please call to let us know. If it is over a weekend or out of hours, you can notify us at admin@marinomedical.ie

 

 What is a DNA ?
A DNA occurs when:

·         An appointment is not attended 

·         The patient has not contacted the practice in advance (within 24 hours) to cancel an appointment or

·         Where the cancellation is so late that it makes it impossible to allocate that time to another patient. 

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DNA Fee
In the event of a DNA a charge will apply

 

Avoid DNA Charges
If you cannot attend or no longer need an appointment, please let us know in advance. Your cooperation will help us improve our service to you.

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Confidentiality & Medical Records

The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances: 

To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.

To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent. 

When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care. 

If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.

Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.

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Complaints

We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice.

However, we are aware that things can go wrong resulting in a patient feeling that they have a genuine cause for complaint. If this is so, we would wish for the matter to be settled as quickly, and as amicably, as possible.

To pursue a complaint please contact the practice manager who will deal with your concerns appropriately. Further written information is available regarding the complaints procedure from reception.